Squeeze & Lift! Do more with a strong Pelvic Floor
Squeeze & Lift!
Did you know, physiotherapists also treat various conditions caused by dysfunction of the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that create a sling across the base of the pelvis. The function of the pelvic floor is to support the abdominal and pelvic area, allow emptying of the bowel and bladder, sexual activity and childbirth.
If there is weakness, overactivity or under-activity of any or all of these muscles, it can have a substantial impact on your daily life. We most commonly hear of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction following childbirth, however there are plenty of other reasons why you may be experiencing these symptoms.
More than 6 million Australians report having incontinence, with many believing that it is a normal.
Remember… men have a pelvic floor too!
1 in 8 men have a problem with their pelvic floor, bladder or bowel.
This is common after prostate surgery/radiation and can also be seen in high level athletes.
“Common” doesn’t mean “normal” - you don’t have to live with it.
If you are wondering if you might be experiencing a problem with your Pelvic Floor muscles ask yourself these questions:
Do you have pain in the pelvic area?
Do you leak urine with exercise, coughing/sneezing, laughing, lifting?
Do you get a feeling of urgency to go to the toilet and sometimes not making it there in time.
Do you frequently need to urinate.
Do you feel a heaviness, dragging or dropping sensation down below?
Do you have pain with sexual activity?
Is it sometimes difficult to empty your bladder and/or bowels?
Are you constipated or sometimes straining on the toilet?
Don’t go with the flow.
Physiotherapy intervention can help to prevent and treat the symptoms of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. At Spine and Sports Centre, we use Real Time Ultrasound, to visualise the Pelvic Floor muscles and provide biofeedback, to complement a tailored pelvic floor muscle retraining program. Our Pelvic Health Physiotherapist can provide all the information, equipment and lifestyle modification advice that you need to stay dry and keep active.
#InvestInContinence
Lydia Barlow
Women’s Health Physiotherapist
